Moving Morocco

11 days
from $2,249

GROUP SIZE ?

ACTIVITY LEVEL ?

Morocco: Casablanca to Marrakesh

Adventure into another world

Ancient and modern, rugged and beautiful, Morocco is a land of contrasts. We’ll wander through bustling medinas, take in the aromatic smells of the spice markets and journey through the desert aboard a camel. From stunning riads, to the desert’s endless sky, your adventure will be an inspiring tale.

Tour Highlights

Trip code: 10MOROCMOV

Activity Level:

2

Unscripted experiences, insider access and authentic local flavors

Our team of travel specialists and local contacts have curated some of the best, most exclusive and authentic experiences, restaurants and accommodations in Morocco to truly immerse yourself in a way that wouldn't be possible in larger groups or just on your own.

Day-by-day itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakesh

Day 1: CasablancaWelcome to Morocco! An included transfer takes you to our hotel. Meet your Local Leader at a welcome meeting before dinner at the famous Rick’s Cafe. (d)

Our hotel in Casablanca: Hotel Mogador

Day 2: Casablanca > Meknes > Fes
Stop to view the Hassan II Mosque on route to Meknes, where our Insider Expert takes us on a walking tour of the medina. Then, it’s on to Fes. (b)

Our riad in Fes: Riad Salam

Day 3: Fes
Today we explore the old city, Fes el Bali. Here, we uncover incredible stories of history and culture. Tonight, a home-cooked dinner of traditional pastille and tagine is in store. (b, d)

Our riad in Fes: Riad Salam

Day 4: Fes > ErfoudWestward bound, today we travel to Erfoud — “The Door to the Desert”— through spectacular scenery and changing landscape. Once at our kasbah, the evening is yours. (b)

Our hotel in Erfoud: Hotel Xaluca

Day 5:Erfoud > Rissan > Merzouga
Hop into your four-wheel drive and journey to Merzouga. In the desert, a sunset camel ride, Moroccan dinner and campfire await. If you’re up for it, sleep out under the stars. (b, l, d)

Our accommodations tonight: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

Day 6:Merzouga> Todra Gorge > Dades Valley
We leave the desert and stop at Todra Gorge to grab some photos of this spectacular sight. Connect with a local family over tea and discuss life today in Morocco before heading to Dades. (b)

Our hotel in Dades: Hotel Xaluca

DAY 7:Dades Valley > Ait Benhaddou
Traveling the “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs,” we visit the historic Kasbah Amridil before heading off to Aït Benhaddou. This city’s sunsets are legendary, and our hotel’s rooftop terrace is one of the best viewing spots. (b, d)

DAY 9: Marrakesh
Lunch today is at the Amal Association, a non-profit empowering women through training and job placement. Choose your adventure this afternoon: a classic guided tour, a bike tour, or take in the sites from a horse-drawn carriage. (b, l)

Our hotel in Marrakesh: Opera Plaza Hotel

DAY 10: MarrakeshNow it’s time to try our hands at cooking Moroccan fare. Learn the secrets of Moroccan cooking at La Maison Arabe. The rest of the day is yours. (b, l)

Our hotel in Marrakesh: Opera Plaza Hotel

DAY 11: MarrakeshOur adventure ends today. (b)

Things to know before traveling to Morocco

CURRENCY:
The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes.

Bank notes come in denominations of MAD 200, 100, 50 and 20. Smaller values are issued as coins in values of 10, 5, 1 as well as 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Changing money is easy and you will find banks and exchange bureaux in Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech.

In the desert and Atlas Mountains opportunities to exchange money are limited. There are ATMs in all major cities, which accept Visa cards, MasterCards and cards connected with Cirrus. Some ATMs, belonging to smaller banks, will not work so occasionally you may need to try two or three before you are successful.

We would strongly recommend bringing a combination of cash and credit cards. Credit cards are useful for large purchases such as carpets or gold from a large store, but generally speaking they are not accepted in many places. Local restaurants, markets, and many hotels will only accept cash as payment for goods or services. Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers or hotels. We also suggest you keep your receipts. Do not change money with street touts. This is illegal.

Morocco is often misjudged as being an inexpensive destination. With tourism booming, the influx of cheap flights from Europe, prices for some items are becoming more equivalent to prices you would be used to at home. Eating in local restaurants, road side stalls and from markets can be inexpensive, but for nights out at tourist friendly restaurants you can expect to pay much more. With drinks, tipping and of course - shopping, it can all add up. Budgets are a personal choice but please bear in mind that you should not expect Morocco to be a budget destination.

MEDINA OF FES:
On Day 3 of the trip, you'll embark on a full-day tour around the Medina of Fes. While you'll be on your feet for at least five to six hours, this is one of the highlights of Morocco and well worth any weariness at the end of the long day.

CAMEL TREK:
On Day 5, the group will take a camel trek through the Sahara. This is a great way to experience the desert, but if you'd prefer, it's possible to walk alongside the caravan on the sand for about an hour. You'll need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but don't worry, as it is a gentle, relaxing walk.

TODRA GORGE:
On Day 6, you'll visit Todra Gorge. This remote area of Morocco is an amazing place to discover on foot, but to do so you'll need a moderate level of fitness and have the relevant footwear and clothing with you. If trekking isn’t really your thing, have no fear, as there are plenty of other activities to do in the valley.

MOROCCAN CUISINE:
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about MAD 30. In main towns it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from Mad 220 upwards.

Generally dinner is likely to cost between MAD 80-120 depending on what you drink - so an estimate for food would be about MAD 150-200 a day.

Soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but generally speaking alcohol is not widely available in Morocco due to the cultural and religious reasons. Still, in some hotels and restaurants you will be able to purchase beers, wines and spirits, but you can pay western prices or more for imported alcohol. Please be aware of local laws, believes and traditions, and be very sensitive and respectful while consuming alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS:
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous and tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case in rural parts of this itinerary. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

TRAVEL DAYS:
There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.

CLIMATE:
The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, especially for those who aren't accustomed to the heat, so please consider carefully what time of year you travel. If you do travel in the warmer months, pack layers to cover you from the sun, bring the necessary sun protection and drink plenty of water.

RAMADAN:
In 2020, Ramadan will take place from 23 April to 22 May. This is the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. Many festivals are marked as Islamic Holidays, which may cause some disturbance to your travels around this time. Some regular services may not be available or open during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully.

TIPPING:
As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your trip leader and the tipping section of our Essential Trip Information will help to provide you with some suggestions as to what amounts are appropriate.

STREET VENDORS:
Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached by shop owners and street vendors offering their goods to you on regular occasions.

ACCOMMODATION:
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may differ to western standards.

VISAS:
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ask your travel agent or Club Adventures team member for insurance options at time of booking.

Add-ons available before and after your trip to see the most of Morocco

Pre-Night Add-ons

CASABLANCA: $110 per room (double occupancy); $85 (single occupancy)

Post-Night Add-ons

MARRAKESH: $160 per room (double occupancy); $155 (single occupancy)

Optional Tours

We’ve already included everything you need to see! While there are no optional tours on this tour, your Local Leader can always point you in the right direction for you to write your own adventure.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email (required) *

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Club Adventures by AAA. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Constant Contact Use.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Club Adventures, 110 Royal Little Dr, Providence, RI, 02904-1860. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email (required) *

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Club Adventures by AAA. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Constant Contact Use.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Club Adventures. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact